Brogressive Podcast

Ben, Dylan, and Beleh sit down with Scotty Moore, Policy Associate at the Searchlight Institute, for a candid conversation about how Democrats can talk like humans again — and why breaking from fear-based messaging may be the key to sparking a new political realignment.

Scott opens with a reframing that sets the tone: there are climate-concerned voters, not climate voters (01:40). From there, the group digs into the “activist guardrails” that quietly cost Democrats battleground votes (06:55), and how one national soundbite can taint every local candidate on the ballot (08:16). They explore what a heterodox, real-world message sounds like on crime and immigration — secure the border without cruelty, punish crime while believing in second chances (10:11) — and how Searchlight’s independent polling builds permission structures that let candidates say what normal people already think (13:19).

Midway through, Scott unpacks the difference between salience and agreement (14:33) and why long-form formats expose slogan politics (19:41). The crew then breaks down how to move primary voters by making “electability” personal (21:00), and how to apologize without looking weak — “I learned and changed” beats lawyering every time (23:39).

They close with a sharp read on why 2024 Democrats sounded trapped on immigration and energy (31:58), how the lack of top-down permission let Twitter fill the vacuum (35:28), and Scott’s own path from Alaska Native advocacy to the DCCC to building Searchlight — an institute built to disrupt purity politics and power the next realignment.

Follow Scotty, Searchlight Institute, Beleh, Ben, and Brogressive on Twitter/X.

Ben and Dylan are joined by political commentator and YouTube creator Jack Cocchiarella for a special crossover episode diving into the NBA's Western Conference. The crew breaks down the official Vegas win totals for every team in the West, making their official over/under picks for the upcoming season.The debate kicks off with a contentious discussion on the Dallas Mavericks (02:24) and whether rookie Cooper Flagg can make a difference. The crew unanimously takes the over on the Denver Nuggets (08:07) before having a heated argument over Ben's Golden State Warriors and their "washed allegations" (11:35). The analysis continues with the Houston Rockets (20:38), the aging Los Angeles Clippers (25:45), and Jack's beloved Los Angeles Lakers (30:46).The second half of the bracket features discussions on the Memphis Grizzlies (35:47), a puzzling Minnesota Timberwolves team (37:08), the Zion-led New Orleans Pelicans (40:12), and the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder (44:01). The episode wraps up with predictions for the Phoenix Suns (49:27), Portland Trail Blazers (51:07), Sacramento Kings (54:05), the promising San Antonio Spurs (57:02), and the tanking Utah Jazz (1:03:14), before the hosts give their final picks for who will win the Western Conference (1:07:04).Follow our guest Jack Cocchiarella @JDCocchiarella, Ben @BenBartlettt, and the show @BrogressivePod on Twitter/X.Also check out Jack’s YouTube show at: https://www.youtube.com/@JackCocchiarellaShow

Ben and Beleh sit down with Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, for an unfiltered post-mortem on 2024—and a blueprint for how Democrats stop losing the media war.

Michael opens with the core problem: Trump treats media as an opportunity; Democrats treat it as a hazard (02:20). He walks through Harris’s 107-day handoff and the culture of caution that followed (07:30), explaining why the old “answer the question you want to answer” playbook dies in long-form formats (10:12).

From there, the guys break down the biggest self-inflicted wounds. The Tim Walz “pick-six” tweet and how authenticity theater backfires (39:40). The fracking layup Harris wouldn’t take—“just run on your record” (43:55). And the decision to skip the Super Bowl interview, which Michael calls pure malpractice (55:35).

They finish with the questions Democrats keep ducking and why yes/no answers beat hedges—even on hot-button topics like trans sports (59:35). Plus: what a “central casting” Cabinet would look like, and how to build a team that can actually sell policy on Fox, podcasts, and everywhere in between (1:01:20).

Follow Michael LaRosa ⁠@MichaelLaRosaDC⁠, Beleh ⁠⁠⁠@Btoma15⁠⁠⁠, Ben ⁠⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter/X.

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Roath, a Boston-based attorney and democracy advocate, who's challenging longtime incumbent Stephen Lynch in Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District. Patrick shares his vision for a more responsive and accountable government, emphasizing the need for new leadership and fresh perspectives in Congress.Patrick accepts no corporate PAC money and advocates for campaign finance reform. Follow Patrick on X @PatrickRoath and donate to his campaign if you can https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sbd...

00:08 — Intro: Meet the Congressional Challenger

00:00 Beleh and Katy discuss Voters of Tomorrow, an organization founded in late 2019.

03:34 Beleh and Katy discuss how to bounce back from a political loss.

09:46 Beleh asks Katy about Voters of Tomorrow's mission and their presence on college campuses.

17:06 Beleh and Katy analyze a poll showing a decline in Trump's support among young people.

23:25 Beleh and Katy discuss the influence of the oil and gas industry on politics.

26:12 Beleh and Katy discuss how to effectively communicate with young voters online.

Ever wondered why so many young people are changing their minds about politics? On this episode, we're sitting down with Katy Gates from Voters of Tomorrow to get the real story. We're diving deep into the issues that are at the top of Gen Z's minds, like the rising costs of living, student debt, and the future of our planet. We'll also explore why so many young people feel let down by the current political system and how organizations like Voters of Tomorrow are working to mobilize a new generation of voters.

Whether you're a Gen Zer yourself or just curious about what's next for American politics, this episode offers a fresh and insightful look at the future of our country.

Make sure to follow Katy on X @KatyGatess and @VotersTomorrow 

Ben and Dylan are joined by political commentator and YouTube creator Jack Cocchiarella for a special crossover episode diving into the NBA's Western Conference. The crew breaks down the official Vegas win totals for every team in the West, making their official over/under picks for the upcoming season.

The debate kicks off with a contentious discussion on the Dallas Mavericks (02:24) and whether rookie Cooper Flagg can make a difference. The crew unanimously takes the over on the Denver Nuggets (08:07) before having a heated argument over Ben's Golden State Warriors and their "washed allegations" (11:35). The analysis continues with the Houston Rockets (20:38), the aging Los Angeles Clippers (25:45), and Jack's beloved Los Angeles Lakers (30:46).

The second half of the bracket features discussions on the Memphis Grizzlies (35:47), a puzzling Minnesota Timberwolves team (37:08), the Zion-led New Orleans Pelicans (40:12), and the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder (44:01). The episode wraps up with predictions for the Phoenix Suns (49:27), Portland Trail Blazers (51:07), Sacramento Kings (54:05), the promising San Antonio Spurs (57:02), and the tanking Utah Jazz (1:03:14), before the hosts give their final picks for who will win the Western Conference (1:07:04).

Follow our guest Jack Cocchiarella @JDCocchiarella, Ben @BenBartlettt, and the show @BrogressivePod on Twitter/X.

Also check out Jack’s YouTube show at: https://www.youtube.com/@JackCocchiarellaShow

Ben and David are joined by Peter Rothpletz (aka Peter Twinklage on Twitter), head writer for The Don Lemon Show, to discuss his viral Guardian article, "The simple way Democrats should talk about Trump and Epstein". Peter lays out a powerful thesis for how Democrats can weaponize the Epstein scandal (01:40), explaining why it's the one crisis Trump can't escape and how it proves to even the MAGA base that Trump is a liar, a hypocrite, and a sneering elitist who protects the powerful.

However, Peter warns that simply being the "Epstein party" is a trap, referencing the old "noun, a verb, and 9/11" critique of Rudy Giuliani (05:30). He explains how Democrats must use the scandal as a vehicle to talk about kitchen-table issues, connecting the rot of the elite to the daily struggles of voters (06:05). This leads to a fascinating discussion on the real divide in American politics: "pro-system vs. anti-system" (13:58). Peter argues that to win, Democrats must run at the system and even at the Democratic Party itself, a message that has already broken through to voters on social media in a way that traditional politics has not (31:54).

Wrapping up, the focus shifts to the future. Peter answers the question of what the Democrats' worst messaging attempts have been in Trump 2.0 (45:17) before debating which 2028 candidates are best positioned. While Pete Buttigieg may be "dead in the water" (19:56), the group discusses the potential of outsiders like Jon Ossoff (21:28). Finally, Peter reveals his dark-horse pick for the presidency: Texas State Rep. James Talarico, who he believes can create a true "social and spiritual benefit to being on the left" (57:50). The episode concludes with Peter's powerful theory on "positive vs. negative empathy" and how Democrats can build a more inviting coalition for the future (1:00:18).

Follow our guest Peter @PeterTwinklage, Ben @BenBartlettt, David @michiganstan25, and the show @BrogressivePod on Twitter/X.

Read Peter's article “The simple way Democrats should talk about Trump and Epstein” in The Guardian here: [Link to Article]

Hosts Max and Beleh are joined by Democratic strategist and entrepreneur Mike Nellis to explore the surprising intersection of gaming and modern politics. Mike kicks things off with his candid thoughts on the much-anticipated GTA 6, explaining his preference for innovation and emotional depth in gaming and how those same principles apply to political messaging.

The conversation then delves into the evolution of the Democratic Party's digital strategy. Mike draws on his experience working with prominent figures like Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders to break down the challenges and opportunities of grassroots fundraising in the digital age. He offers his insights on the importance of maintaining public engagement while in power and the lessons Democrats must learn to shape public discourse.

Follow our guest Mike Nellis @MikeNellis, hosts Max Levin @MaxLevin23 and Beleh @btoma15, and the show @BrogressivePod on Twitter/X.

In this episode, the Brogressive crew is joined by YouTuber Aidan Hall to break down the current state of Democratic politics and look ahead to the 2028 presidential election. They discuss the challenges Democrats face in the social media era, the importance of authenticity, and whether the party is equipped to connect with a new generation of voters.

The episode culminates in a comprehensive tier ranking of over 20 potential Democratic candidates for 2028 — from AOC and Gavin Newsom to Pete Buttigieg and Wes Moore — based on one single question: who is the strongest general election candidate?  We're not ranking our favorites; we're ranking who can win.

(00:15) - Welcoming Aidan Hall

(05:07) - The Crossover of Storytelling in Film and Politics

(06:43) - Democrats' Messaging Problem in the Social Media Age

(20:51) - The "Authenticity" Factor in Modern Politics

(29:09) - Historical Trends and the 2028 Election

(33:51) - The Impact of the 24/7 News Cycle on Governance

(44:24) - Ranking the 2028 Democratic Presidential Candidates

Subscribe to Aidan Hall on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠and follow Ben ⁠@BenBartlettt⁠, Beleh ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@btoma15⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter/X.

Milan Singh, who currently runs the Yale Youth Poll, returns to break down a major upset in New York politics and what it signals for the future of progressive power. We start with the Zohra Mamdani race and its implications for DSA, machine politics, and the left’s internal contradictions (3:50). We then shift to Trump’s latest messaging pivot on immigration and the right’s ongoing coalition fracture (18:22).

From there, we discuss Trump's polling slide and what it reveals about generational messaging gaps, political instincts, and the limits of moral framing (23:00). Later in the episode, we get into the structure of left organizing, potential realignments, and the broader strategic landscape heading into 2026 (43:44).

Follow Milan Singh ⁠⁠⁠@milansingh03⁠⁠⁠, Ben ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Max ⁠⁠⁠@MaxLevin23⁠⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter/X.